Helping injured clients understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.
If you or a family member has sustained a traumatic brain injury in Houston, an attorney experienced in TBI litigation can help you pursue compensation from the responsible party. Brain injury cases are among the most complex in personal injury law because the damage is often invisible on standard imaging, the symptoms may not fully emerge for weeks or months, and the long-term effects can alter every aspect of the injured person’s life.
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers represents TBI victims and their families on the plaintiff side throughout Texas. Our attorneys bring more than two decades of combined trial experience to catastrophic injury litigation and handle brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis. If you need a Houston, TX traumatic brain injury lawyer, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Houston, TX
A traumatic brain injury lawyer represents individuals who have sustained damage to the brain through an external force, whether from a vehicle collision, a fall, a blow to the head, or a penetrating object. What distinguishes TBI cases from other personal injury claims is the nature of the injury itself. A broken bone shows up on an X-ray and heals on a predictable schedule. A brain injury may not appear on initial scans, may worsen over time, and may produce cognitive, emotional, and physical deficits that last for the remainder of the injured person’s life.
According to CDC brain injury data, there were approximately 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations nationwide in 2020 and over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021. That translates to roughly 190 TBI-related deaths every day. In Texas, the Governor’s Office has reported that an average of 144,000 Texans are affected by traumatic brain injuries each year. Houston’s combination of heavy traffic, industrial operations, and a large population means the city accounts for a significant share of those cases.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury Cases We Handle in Houston
Traumatic brain injuries result from a wide range of accidents. The cause of the injury determines which parties can be held liable and what legal framework applies. In each of the categories below, the TBI is the injury. The accident type defines the liability analysis.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we handle TBI cases arising from the following:
- Car accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations among adults aged 15 to 44. The forces generated in a collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, producing contusions, diffuse axonal injury, and intracranial bleeding. Even a crash at moderate speed can produce a TBI when the head strikes the steering wheel, window, or headrest.
- Truck accidents. The weight disparity between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle amplifies the collision forces to a level that overwhelms the skull’s ability to protect the brain. TBI is one of the most common catastrophic injuries in Houston truck accident cases.
- Motorcycle accidents. Riders have no structural protection between their head and the pavement. Unhelmeted riders face significantly higher rates of TBI, but even helmeted riders sustain brain injuries when the rotational forces of the crash exceed the helmet’s protective capacity.
- Workplace accidents. Falls from scaffolding, struck-by incidents, and equipment malfunctions on industrial job sites produce a substantial number of TBI cases in Houston. Workers on oilfield sites and construction projects face elevated risk due to the physical hazards present in those environments.
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents. A person who falls and strikes their head on a hard surface can sustain a TBI ranging from a concussion to a severe diffuse axonal injury. These cases frequently arise in commercial properties, parking lots, and residential premises where a property owner failed to address a known hazard.
- Assault and intentional acts. A blow to the head during a physical assault can cause a TBI. The injured person may pursue a civil claim against the assailant and, in some circumstances, against a property owner whose inadequate security allowed the attack to occur.
- Bus accidents. Passengers on public transit who are thrown from their seats during a sudden stop or collision frequently sustain head injuries. Standing passengers who strike poles, grab bars, or the floor of the bus are particularly vulnerable.
- Wrongful death. Severe TBI is a leading cause of death following traumatic injury. When a brain injury results in death, Texas law allows the surviving spouse, children, and parents to pursue wrongful death claims against the responsible parties.
Why Choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers as My Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Houston, TX?
Catastrophic Injury Experience and Trial Preparation
Matt Greenberg has served as lead trial counsel in cases producing record-setting verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury litigation. He earned his J.D. from Baylor Law School, is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the National Trial Lawyers.
Mike Streich graduated cum laude from the UH Law Center and spent nearly a decade defending corporations and insurance syndicates, including Lloyd’s of London, in catastrophic injury and death cases. That defense experience gives him direct knowledge of how insurers evaluate brain injury claims and what strategies they use to minimize payouts. He has been named a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers in multiple years.
Together, our attorneys have recovered over $375 million for injured clients across all case types, including catastrophic injury matters involving permanent disability and long-term care needs. As your personal injury lawyer in Houston, our firm handles every brain injury case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery.
What Is Important to Understand About a Traumatic Brain Injury Case?
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
TBI cases carry some of the highest damage values in personal injury litigation because the costs are enormous and the losses are often permanent. A person with a moderate to severe TBI may require a lifetime of medical care, cognitive rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living. The damages calculation must account for decades of future expenses.
Economic damages include:
- Emergency care, neurosurgery, hospitalization, and acute rehabilitation
- Long-term cognitive therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral health treatment
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity, which can be substantial when the injury prevents the person from returning to their prior occupation
- Home modifications, assistive technology, and in-home care providers
Non-economic damages address the personal and relational consequences:
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Loss of cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and problem-solving ability
- Changes in personality and emotional regulation
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Proving liability follows the same framework as other negligence claims: the at-fault party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the brain injury. Texas comparative negligence reduces the plaintiff’s recovery by their percentage of fault and bars recovery entirely if the plaintiff’s fault exceeds 50 percent.
What Are Important Aspects of a Traumatic Brain Injury Case?
TBI claims present challenges that most personal injury cases do not. Several factors require early attention.
- Brain injuries can be invisible on initial imaging. A CT scan in the emergency room may show no abnormality, but the patient experiences cognitive deficits, personality changes, and chronic headaches for months afterward. Proving the injury exists and connecting it to the accident requires specialized neurological evaluation and, in many cases, advanced imaging such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- Symptoms may be delayed. It is not uncommon for the full effects of a TBI to emerge days or weeks after the injury. What appears to be a mild concussion at the emergency room may develop into persistent post-concussive syndrome with significant cognitive and emotional effects.
- The defense will challenge the diagnosis. Insurance companies routinely argue that the plaintiff’s symptoms are exaggerated, pre-existing, or unrelated to the accident. Your attorney must retain qualified neuropsychologists and neurologists who can testify to the nature, cause, and severity of the brain injury.
- Future damages must be calculated with precision. A serious brain injury in a young adult may require 40 or 50 years of ongoing care. Economists, life care planners, and medical specialists must provide testimony that establishes the lifetime cost of the injury.
What Is the Traumatic Brain Injury Case Timeline?
The timeline in a TBI case is often longer than in other personal injury matters because the full extent of the brain injury may not be clear for months after the accident.
- Investigation begins immediately. The attorney collects the police report, medical records, witness statements, and any available camera footage.
- Medical treatment and neurological evaluation continue until the treating physicians can provide a reliable long-term prognosis. For moderate to severe TBI, this evaluation phase can extend a year or more. Rushing to settle before the medical picture is complete is one of the most damaging mistakes a TBI patient can make.
- Neuropsychological testing establishes the cognitive deficits caused by the injury. This testing provides objective data that distinguishes the brain injury from pre-existing conditions and age-related decline.
- The firm prepares a demand that includes medical evidence, life care plan projections, and economic loss calculations.
- If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, suit is filed. TBI cases in Harris County may take two to four years from filing to resolution due to the complexity of the medical evidence and the number of retained professionals involved.
What Should You Bring to Your Traumatic Brain Injury Consultation?
Gathering your documentation before the consultation helps the attorneys assess the claim more efficiently. You may not have all of these items at this stage. Bring whatever documentation is available:
- Emergency room records, hospital discharge summaries, and neurological consultation notes
- Imaging results (CT scans, MRIs, or other diagnostic studies)
- Records from follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, or therapy
- The police report or accident report
- A written description of the cognitive, emotional, or physical changes you or your family member have observed since the injury
During the consultation, we review the medical evidence, explain how Texas law applies, and provide a direct assessment of the claim. There is no charge for this meeting.
What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Traumatic Brain Injury Cases?
Texas law governs TBI claims through the same negligence framework that applies to other personal injury cases. The following resources help injured individuals and their families locate applicable statutes and find support.
- The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of injury under Chapter 16 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
- Texas negligence law follows a proportionate responsibility framework. The plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their share of fault, and recovery is barred if the plaintiff bears more than 50 percent of the responsibility.
- Texas does not cap economic damages in most personal injury cases. Non-economic damage caps apply in limited categories.
- The Brain Injury Association provides resources for TBI patients and their families.
- The Texas Legislature website provides the full text of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
- Our firm monitors Texas legal changes that may affect brain injury claims and negligence standards.
Reach Out to Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation
If you or a family member has sustained a traumatic brain injury in Houston, TX, our attorneys are available for a free and confidential case review. We handle TBI cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics in Houston
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most significant public health issues in the United States. According to CDC TBI data, approximately 214,000 TBI-related hospitalizations occurred in 2020 and over 69,000 TBI-related deaths occurred in 2021. That amounts to roughly 586 TBI-related hospitalizations and 190 TBI-related deaths every day. These figures do not include the many brain injuries treated in emergency departments, urgent care facilities, or those that go entirely untreated.
In Texas, an average of 144,000 residents are affected by traumatic brain injuries each year, according to the Governor’s Office. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations among working-age adults, and Houston’s traffic volume, which produced over 66,000 crashes and 301 fatalities in 2024 according to TxDOT, makes the city one of the most concentrated areas for traffic-related brain injuries in the state. Males are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for a TBI and three times as likely to die from one.
Signs and Symptoms That May Indicate a Traumatic Brain Injury
Not every brain injury is obvious at the time of the accident. Many TBI symptoms develop gradually, and some are mistaken for stress, fatigue, or the normal aftermath of a stressful event. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting the medical evaluation and documentation that a legal claim requires.
1. Persistent headaches. A headache that begins after an accident and does not resolve within a few days, or one that worsens over time, may indicate intracranial pressure or other brain trauma. Post-traumatic headaches are among the most commonly reported TBI symptoms.
2. Difficulty concentrating or remembering. Trouble following conversations, forgetting appointments, and struggling with tasks that were previously routine are signs of cognitive impairment associated with TBI.
3. Dizziness and balance problems. Damage to the brain’s vestibular processing areas causes dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty maintaining balance. These symptoms may persist for months after the initial injury.
4. Sensitivity to light and noise. Many TBI patients report that ordinary light levels and background noise become overwhelming after the injury. This sensitivity can interfere with the ability to work, drive, and participate in normal daily activities.
5. Mood changes and irritability. Sudden personality shifts, increased irritability, anxiety, and depression are common after a brain injury. Family members often notice these changes before the injured person does.
6. Sleep disturbances. Sleeping significantly more or less than usual, difficulty falling asleep, and excessive daytime fatigue are associated with disruption to the brain’s regulatory systems.
7. Nausea and vomiting. Persistent nausea following a head impact, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms on this list, may indicate increased intracranial pressure.
8. Blurred or double vision. Visual disturbances following head trauma can result from damage to the optic nerve, the visual cortex, or the muscles that control eye movement.
9. Difficulty with speech or word-finding. Slurred speech, speaking more slowly than usual, and searching for common words are neurological symptoms that warrant immediate evaluation.
10. Loss of consciousness or confusion at the scene. Even a brief loss of consciousness or a period of confusion immediately following the accident is a strong indicator of brain trauma. However, a TBI can occur without any loss of consciousness at all.
Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer FAQs
What is the difference between a mild, moderate, and severe TBI?
Medical professionals classify TBI severity primarily using the Glasgow Coma Scale, which measures eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. A mild TBI, commonly called a concussion, involves a GCS score of 13 to 15. Moderate TBI scores range from 9 to 12. Severe TBI is classified at 8 or below. Even mild TBIs can produce lasting symptoms that affect daily life.
Can I file a claim if my brain injury was diagnosed as a concussion?
Yes. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, and it can cause persistent cognitive and emotional symptoms that interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning. The term “mild” refers to the initial presentation, not the long-term impact.
How do you prove a traumatic brain injury in court?
Through medical records, neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and testimony from treating physicians and retained professionals. Advanced imaging techniques such as DTI can reveal damage to white matter tracts that conventional MRI may not detect.
How long do I have to file a TBI claim in Texas?
Two years from the date of injury under the general statute of limitations. Because TBI symptoms can be delayed, consulting an attorney early protects your ability to file within the applicable deadline.
What is a life care plan, and why does it matter in a TBI case?
A life care plan is a document prepared by a qualified medical professional that projects the injured person’s future care needs and associated costs. In TBI cases, this plan may cover decades of cognitive rehabilitation, therapy, medication, and assistance with daily living. It is essential to establishing the full value of the claim.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer for my brain injury?
Not before having the offer evaluated by an attorney. Insurers frequently offer early settlements before the full extent of a brain injury is known. A TBI that appears mild in the first few weeks may produce lasting deficits that require years of treatment.
What if my TBI symptoms did not appear until days or weeks after the accident?
Delayed symptom onset is common with traumatic brain injuries. The fact that symptoms emerged later does not prevent you from filing a claim. Medical documentation linking the delayed symptoms to the accident is key, and a consultation with an attorney experienced in TBI litigation can help establish that connection.
How much is a traumatic brain injury case worth?
The value depends on the severity of the injury, the expected duration of treatment, the impact on earning capacity, and the quality of the medical evidence. Moderate to severe TBI cases that involve permanent cognitive deficits and long-term care needs typically carry higher values than cases involving concussions that resolve within months.
Do I need a lawyer for a TBI case?
Brain injury cases require specialized medical evidence, retained neurological professionals, and life care plan testimony. Insurance companies routinely challenge TBI diagnoses, particularly in cases involving mild to moderate injuries. An attorney who has handled brain injury cases understands how to build the medical record and counter the defense’s arguments.
What types of accidents cause traumatic brain injuries?
Motor vehicle crashes, falls, workplace incidents, assaults, and sports-related impacts are the most common causes. Cases involving defective equipment or safety gear that failed to protect the wearer also produce TBI claims. In Houston, car accidents, truck collisions, and industrial workplace injuries account for a large share of TBI litigation.
Local Information for Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Where TBI Cases Are Most Common in Houston
Brain injury risk in Houston concentrates along the same corridors and areas that produce the city’s highest crash and industrial injury volumes.
- Interstate 45 carries the highest traffic fatality count in Harris County. The Gulf Freeway and North Freeway segments produce a high volume of serious collisions that result in head and brain injuries.
- Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway) records substantial crash volumes, particularly near the Energy Corridor and the Loop 610 interchange.
- The Houston Ship Channel corridor from Pasadena through Deer Park produces industrial injuries including head trauma from falls, struck-by incidents, and equipment malfunctions. Explosions at petrochemical facilities can cause both burn injuries and blast-related brain trauma simultaneously.
- Construction sites across the metropolitan area generate TBI claims when workers fall from elevation, are struck by falling objects, or are involved in equipment incidents.
What Are Important Local Resources for Houston TBI Cases?
Individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury in Houston may need to contact the following agencies and facilities. These are listed for reference purposes only.
- Memorial Hermann, a Level I trauma center with neurosurgical capabilities: (713) 704-4000
- TIRR Memorial Hermann, one of the top-ranked rehabilitation hospitals in the country for brain injury rehabilitation: (713) 799-5000
- Harris Health System (Ben Taub Hospital), a Level I trauma center serving Harris County: (713) 873-2000
- Brain Injury Association for national resources, support groups, and treatment information
Listing these resources does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers.
About Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers is a Houston-based injury law firm focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas. Matt Greenberg’s trial results have been reported by Law.com and the Texas Lawbook, among other outlets. Mike Streich is a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers in multiple years.
What Our Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Mike Streich is an amazing lawyer. He kept me informed throughout my case and always took the time to explain everything to me. He fought for what was right and I was very satisfied with the outcome. I would highly recommend him.”
Regina Brown
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Contact Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Traumatic brain injury cases require specialized medical evidence, retained neurological professionals, and life care plan projections that most personal injury firms are not equipped to handle. At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we provide free consultations for Houston TBI cases. Our contingency fee structure means no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule your free case review with a Houston, TX traumatic brain injury attorney.
